In April, it burst into golden flowers. It grew throughout that rich and radiant summer and, come the fall, its long leaves glowed in the last sun of the year.

When Sam touched this treasure, one came away, like a rope at its master's call. He used it as a bookmark, had it to hand as he embellished the lines of his own tree. The children liked to hold it – Elanor, Goldilocks, down to Baby Tom; Elfstan too when his turn came.

The book he gave to his own golden girl. The leaf he took with him, returning the gift.

~~~

Written to celebrate the 2nd birthday of the HA mailing list6th April 2004